New York City Truck Accident Statistics in 2023

According to data from the National Safety Council, 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal collisions nationwide in 2021. That is an 18% increase over numbers from 2020 and a significant increase of 49% over the last ten years. A glance at recent truck accident statistics in New York and nationwide paints a troubling portrait. Large trucks cause significantly more damage than other vehicles when they’re involved in collisions, leaving victims facing long-lasting physical and financial challenges.

At Finz & Finz, P.C., we want to share New York’s latest truck accident statistics to educate New York drivers about the dangers of sharing the road with commercial vehicles. Our legal teams understand how a crash with a large truck can impact your life and how trucking companies often employ strong-arm tactics to convince you to settle for less than what your claim is worth.

Were you injured in an accident caused by a careless truck driver? Contact the New York legal team at Finz & Finz, P.C. today to arrange your free legal consultation.

New York Truck Accident Statistics

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that in 2020, 4,965 people lost their lives in truck accident collisions. In New York, 8.1% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes are large trucks. For 2020, that amounts to 1,437 trucks involved in fatal crashes.

New York City also keeps detailed records of the number of motor vehicle accidents recorded in the state. In March 2023 alone, New York City saw 575 accidents involving large commercial vehicles. These are vehicles with six or more tires. There were 79 accidents involving smaller commercial vehicles in the same time frame. Brooklyn saw the highest number of large commercial truck accidents in the city with 195, followed closely by the Bronx with 122 crashes, Queens with 121 crashes, and Manhattan with 117 large commercial vehicle accidents.

Common Causes of New York Truck Accidents

According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driver error is the leading cause of truck accidents in the United States. At least 87% of all crashes can be linked to driver error, while mechanical defects or vehicle failures typically cause only 10% of crashes.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in New York include the following:

• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Driver fatigue
• Driver inexperience
• Improper cargo loading
• Speeding

Inclement weather conditions can contribute to significant accidents involving trucks. However, only 3% of truck accidents were listed with the environment as the critical reason for the crash.

Injuries Common in New York Truck Accidents

The size and weight of large commercial vehicles can cause catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. Those traveling in passenger cars are most at risk of suffering life-altering injuries when involved in a large truck accident. 71% of those killed in large-truck accidents were the occupants of other vehicles.

Common injuries associated with New York truck accidents are:

• Burns, thermal, and chemical
• Broken bones
• Contusions
• Facial injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Neck and spine injuries
• Organ damage
• Soft tissue damage
• Traumatic brain injury
• Whiplash

Recovering from severe injuries takes time and money. Before you accept any settlement offer from a trucking company or its insurer, discuss your situation with a knowledgeable New York truck accident attorney to ensure you get the money you deserve for your recovery.

Compensation Available for New York City Truck Accidents

If you meet New York’s serious injury threshold, you could pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Your attorney can advise you whether you qualify for this type of claim. Compensation for your financial losses can depend on numerous factors, including the cause of the accident and the severity of your injuries. In some cases, you may be able to seek money for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering

An attorney can assess the unique factors present in your case and negotiate on your behalf for the compensation you deserve. 

Why You Need an Experienced New York Truck Accident Attorney

New York truck accidents can cause extensive physical and financial repercussions. Unfortunately, trucking companies and insurance providers seldom worry about your recovery. They are more interested in protecting their profits and limiting their liability. That means sometimes using aggressive tactics or questionable strategies to convince you to settle your claim for less than it is worth, saving them time and money.

Truck accident cases are more complicated than other types of accidents. Gaining the evidence you need to build a compelling claim for maximum compensation takes work. The trucking company holds much of the most crucial evidence to prove liability, like safety records and the truck’s black box data. A knowledgeable and aggressive New York truck accident attorney can help you by:

• Thoroughly investigating the cause of the accident
• Identifying all liable parties
• Calculating the value of your financial losses
• Collecting and preserving evidence related to the accident
• Negotiating for maximum compensation
• Working with experts to develop a legal strategy
• Preparing a case for court if necessary

Never go head-to-head with a large trucking company or its insurer alone. Protect yourself and speak with a skilled New York truck accident attorney before accepting an insurance or trucking company’s settlement offer.

Contact a Skilled New York Truck Accident Attorney Immediately

The statistics may be frightening, but you always have an advocate on your side when the unthinkable happens. At Finz & Finz, P.C., our dedicated legal team can help you hold a careless driver and their company responsible following a New York truck accident.

Arrange a free consultation with an NYC truck accident lawyer to discuss the specifics of your case. We can review your situation and provide detailed information about your legal options for recovering maximum compensation. Call 855-TOP-FIRM today.